Writing for Project Syndicate,Javier Solana, the former EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Secretary-General of NATO, and Foreign Minister of Spain, has argued that in trying to create a multipolar world global leaders have focused on “shortsighted tactical concerns”, which in turn has created an increasingly unstable, unpredictable and tense international order. To counter this “obsession with tactics”, Javier argues that they need to move to an axis of strategy in an effort to achieve the “world we want”.

Javier believes that this obsession with tactics has affected governance at all levels, from local administrations to supranational institutions, allowing major actors to operate within uncoordinated realities, without any shared goals guiding their decision-making. In other words, “the West has allowed short-term tactical concerns to impede the development of a long-term strategic vision.”

He points out that whilst there are noteworthy exceptions in managing the transition toward multipolarity, there are many cases where strategic thinking has fallen short. This is especially apparent when noting the Western leader’s reluctance to integrate China into the international system.

Click here to read the consequences of such failures, and Javier’s response to this issue.

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